FSA is committed to ensuring the civil rights of every individual who requests access to the programs administered by the Agency. They will be provided employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. This is policy.

We are charged with, and expected to uphold, the highest level of professionalism and public trust in the mission and delivery of employment opportunities and programs at FSA. We have an obligation to assume and maintain direct personal responsibility for the way employees and applicants for employment are treated.

We must strive to ensure that there is no discrimination in our employment practices and in our program delivery system. We must reach out to groups which, historically have been neglected, identify areas where we are under represented in our workforce, and ensure that we are inclusive, rather than exclusive, in all aspects of our programs.

The success of our programs is dependent upon our commitment to uphold this policy. By our words and actions, each of us must demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity for all individuals. Your commitment to these goals is critical to FSA's mission. Avoidance of discrimination in any form must be our daily, regular, and constant practice.

We will not tolerate reprisal or retaliation of any kind against customers or employees who have sought to redress a grievance arising from a violation of their rights.

I urge each and every one of you to do your part to ensure the protection of civil rights for all. As a team, we must work together. FSA employees, at every level, will be held responsible for respecting the rights of their coworkers. I believe that each of us, individually and collectively, can make a difference in the way we serve the public.

James R. (Jim) Little
Administrator